John Croshaw

John Croshaw, a longtime resident of Malden and recently of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 89.

Born in Medford on April 12, 1936, John was one of two children of the late John and Gladys (Crosby) Croshaw. Raised in Malden, he graduated from Malden High School with the Class of 1955 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army. From 1956 to 1958, John proudly served his country before being honorably discharged, a distinction he carried with pride throughout his life.

For many years, John worked as a bartender at local establishments, where his quick wit and good humor shined. He was a proud member of the Malden Elks Club and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 85 in Malden, where he enjoyed friendship among fellow veterans.

From his earliest days visiting Long Beach in Gloucester with his parents, John developed a lifelong love for the ocean. Every summer, he returned to Long Beach with his own family to stay in a cottage by the sea. He never hesitated to dive in for a quick swim, often urging others to join him in jumping off the rocks and swimming back to shore.

Music was another constant in John’s life. He loved jazz and was known to sing along, often loudly and with great enthusiasm, to his favorite songs.

Fun-loving, outspoken, and forever young at heart, John lived life entirely on his own terms. He had a knack for humor and a signature way of “stirring the pot” with his one-liners, always managing to make people laugh. Beneath his playful spirit was a loyal friend and devoted family man who cared deeply for those closest to him.

John will be remembered for his youthful energy, dry wit, and love for life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

John was the beloved husband of Beryl T. (Saindon) Croshaw with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Devoted father of Denise Poulin and her husband Mark of Amesbury, Susan Croshaw and her partner Mark Miller of Waltham, and stepfather of Mark Daley and his wife Anna of Durham, NC, and the late Michael Daley. Dear sister of the late Ruth Hare. Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are kindly invited to gather during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St, Melrose, on Sunday, Nov. 9 from 2-5pm, and for his Funeral Service on Monday, Nov. 10 at 10am. Interment with military honors by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.